A casino is a building in which gambling is permitted. It is a facility that houses a number of gaming machines and table games, and can also be a location for live entertainment.
Some casinos are built near hotels, resorts and other facilities that attract tourists. Others may be purely for gambling, as in the case of Las Vegas.
Various types of casino games are offered in casinos, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat and video poker. Other games include sic bo and fan-tan, both of which originated in Asia.
In most cases, casino games have mathematically determined odds that give the house an advantage over the player. This advantage is called the house edge and is a major source of profit for casinos.
Many of the casinos around the world have security systems designed to prevent crime. These systems monitor the amount of money that is being bet and alert the staff if it appears to be suspicious.
Some casinos are equipped with catwalks that allow surveillance personnel to look directly down, through one way glass, on the activities at the tables and slot machines. This is an effective method of catching suspicious behavior that could lead to a breach in security.
Some casinos have special tables that are reserved for high rollers and VIP customers. These tables are often located in discreet private rooms where the players can have a quiet game without distractions.